Forensic Nursing competencies in disasters situations: scoping review

Area of Science:

• Disaster Nursing
• Forensic Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• Forensic Nursing plays a critical role in disaster situations.
• Effective disaster response requires specialized nursing competencies.
• Existing literature on these competencies needs comprehensive mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and map technical-scientific information sources regarding Forensic Nursing competencies in disaster scenarios.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of essential skills for forensic nurses operating during mass casualty events.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following the JBI methodology.
• Data were extracted and analyzed from 28 selected publications and gray literature.
• Independent review by two researchers ensured rigorous data selection and analysis.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four distinct Forensic Nursing competencies in disaster situations were identified.
• Key competencies include training, resource management, legal liaison, direct and psycho-emotional care, evidence collection, documentation, body management, chain of custody, and epidemiological surveillance.
• The majority of identified publications (20/24) originated from the United States of America.

Conclusions:

• Forensic nurses are integral to all phases of disaster management, supporting affected individuals, families, and communities within an interdisciplinary framework.
• Incorporating specialized Forensic Nursing competencies into professional training is essential for enhancing disaster response standards.
• This research underscores the need for targeted educational strategies to equip nurses with disaster-specific forensic skills.